Shocking Arrest: Two Self-Proclaimed Religious Leaders Charged with Abuse and Fraud in Multi-Million Dollar Donation Scheme

A recent federal grand jury in Michigan has indicted two individuals for their roles in a forced labor and money laundering scheme. The defendants, David Taylor and Michelle Brannon, were arrested in North Carolina and Florida as part of a nationwide crackdown on human trafficking.

Combating human trafficking is a major focus for the Department of Justice. Officials emphasize their commitment to hold offenders accountable and support victims. “We will use every lawful tool against human traffickers,” noted U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. This collaboration involves federal law enforcement and non-governmental organizations working to help victims.

According to Acting Special Agent Reuben Coleman from the FBI, these alleged actions are alarming. The FBI’s efforts are enhanced by partnerships across multiple states, illustrating the seriousness with which federal law enforcement takes human exploitation.

The indictment claims Taylor and Brannon led the Kingdom of God Global Church, previously known as Joshua Media Ministries International. They ran call centers soliciting donations. Victims were reportedly made to work long hours without pay and were subjected to strict control over their lives. They were not allowed to leave without permission and faced severe consequences for not meeting Taylor’s demands.

Recent statistics highlight the scale of human trafficking. Organizations like Polaris reported that in 2020 alone, there were over 10,000 cases of human trafficking in the U.S., revealing a persistent issue that affects many communities.

Taylor allegedly misused donations—amounting to about $50 million since 2014—on luxury items instead of supporting the victims they exploited. These actions are not only deeply troubling but also shed light on how some individuals manipulate charitable organizations for personal gain.

When convicted, these charges could lead to serious consequences, including up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.

If you have information about human trafficking, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For more details on government initiatives against human trafficking, visit the Justice Department’s website.

Note: An indictment is just an allegation; the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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